We write with an update on collective bargaining negotiations with the Law Faculty and with TAUP. 

Representatives from Temple University and the Temple Law Professors Collective Bargaining Association reached agreement on a new 4-year contract. This agreement includes 2.85 percent per year for salary increases and an additional discretionary pool of 0.625 percent for each year of the agreement, retroactive to July 1. We are grateful for the hard work of everyone involved in reaching this agreement. 

Regarding negotiations with TAUP, the university and the faculty union have had six additional meetings. The current agreement is set to expire on October 15. 

We are pleased to report that the parties have made progress and reached tentative agreement on several proposals including (1) clarifying the work/life balance provision; (2) removing a provision from the agreement that authorized the union to collect a fee from those who choose not to pay dues; (3) clarifying the process for awarding merit from the Provost’s pool for exceptional effort; and (4) allowing adjunct faculty additional time to file grievances as well as adding a fact-finding step for all grievances. 

The parties continue to work through proposals that are operational in nature. The parties have agreed to turn their attention to proposals on pay and benefits only after sufficient progress has been made on these other proposals. 

For the operational proposals, the university is focused on ensuring appropriate avenues of redress for all university employees who have concerns about issues of discrimination. In responding to TAUP’s proposals, the university has made proposals on NTT promotion and adjunct evaluation. 

As ever, we want to acknowledge the effort and energy that goes into the negotiation process on both sides. The university and TAUP share the goal of a fair contract that supports the ability of the entire Temple community to provide the best possible education to our students. If we remain relentlessly focused on that goal, we are confident that this process will be successful.

Additional meetings have been scheduled into October. We will continue to keep you informed.

Richard M. Englert
President

JoAnne A. Epps
Executive Vice President and Provost